Amundson happy to be with contender

Big man says he will bring energy and defense to the Chicago Bulls in a reserve role

March 02, 2013|By K.C. Johnson, Chicago Tribune reporter

Justification for Lou Amundson's decision to sign with the Bulls arrived as early as Saturday's morning shootaround.

"I really haven't been part of a shootaround like that where it was so thorough and we went over every little thing," Amundson said. "I can tell the attention to detail is there."

Amundson drew interest from the Heat, Celtics and Knicks but signed a 10-day contract with the Bulls, who own just enough space under the hard salary cap of $73.307 million to sign the veteran forward for the remainder of the season if they choose.

The Timberwolves waived the 6-foot-9 Amundson in February. He has averaged 3.8 points and 3.6 rebounds in 308 games over seven seasons with seven teams.

"They're always a contender in the East and being part of a good team is important to me," Amundson said.

Amundson said he had been working out in Colorado with his trainer, waiting for his next chance.

It didn't come Saturday night against the Nets, but Amundson said he plans to bring energy and defense when given the opportunity.

"You have to be around me enough and see me play to really appreciate what I bring," Amundson said. "I work hard."

Take a seat:Richard Hamilton missed his second straight game with back spasms and wasn't scheduled to travel late Saturday with the team to Indiana.

"It went out on him before last game, just locked up," coach Tom Thibodeau said.

Taj Gibson missed his third straight game with the sprained MCL in his left knee, which prompted the Amundson signing. He's expected to miss roughly another week.

The headache that Luol Deng experienced after taking a Spencer Hawes elbow to the face late Thursday disappeared and Deng started.

Layups:Joakim Noah drew his career-high 10th technical foul, tied for third-most in the NBA. A one-game suspension comes if a player draws 16. … Saturday marked the 51st anniversary of Wilt Chamberlain's 100-point game. Sixteen of 24 teams that played Friday night failed to crack the century mark. … Nets coach P.J. Carlesimo, on whether he addressed Noah's historic performance against the 76ers with his team: "They know what he did the other night for sure."